Free portraits offered to Edmontonians this Christmas through Help-Portrait movement

For some Edmontonians, the most meaningful Christmas gift this year isn’t wrapped in paper, but framed in an eight-by-10 photograph.

About 50 volunteers, including photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists, gathered in Edmonton this month to provide free professional portraits to individuals and families as part of the annual Help-Portrait movement.

The initiative aims to give back to the community by offering portraits at no cost, removing financial barriers that often make family photos out of reach.

“I’ve always wanted a photo like that,” said Alesha Losa, who was getting her first-ever professional family portrait with her daughter. “I want to keep it up all year long.”

Losa said paying for professional photos was never a priority when household budgets had to be focused on essentials.

“I have to make sure our basic needs are met first before I can spend money on pictures, because that’s excess stuff,” she said.

This Christmas, however, Losa not only received a portrait but was also treated to hair and makeup services, all donated by volunteers.

“There are so many families out here doing the same thing I’m doing right now,” she said. “They’re putting in their time, they’re doing their effort. They’re trying to make a memory for everyone.”

Help-Portrait is an international movement that brings together volunteers each December to provide free portraits to people who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

Photographer Andrei Roman has volunteered with the Edmonton event for three years and said the experience has reshaped how he views his craft.

“It was my very first year of Help-Portrait, and the coolest thing was that I got a chance to see them again the following year,” Roman said. “They actually requested, ‘Hey, I want to go back to Andrei. He was the one who photographed me last year.’”

Roman, who began his photography career in 2016, said photos often become more valuable with time.

“People are not around in your life forever,” he said. “You never know when it could be your last photograph. Later down the road, that’s when you truly realize the importance of the photograph.”

Organizer Railene Hooper said the event is about more than pictures, it’s about dignity, generosity and shared humanity.

“It’s not about finances,” Hooper said. “It’s just about coming here and giving this all for free to give people that memory of Christmas, whatever that means to the person.”

For Losa, the portrait captures a moment she hopes her daughter will treasure.

“It’s me and my daughter looking at each other, and I’m holding her,” she said. “I’ve always wanted a photo like that.”